Time Schedule:
Gerald G Eck
BIO A 388
Seattle Campus
First of a two-part series. Evolution of human anatomy and behavior as adaptations to changing environments. Human fossils: their geological context, age, ecological setting used to reconstruct the evolution of our species during the last six million years of earth history. Prerequisite: either BIO A 201, or BIOL 201, BIOL 202, and BIOL 203, or both BIOL 101 and BIOL 102, or both BIOL 180 and BIOL 200. Offered: W.
Class description
Although human beings are the dominant large mammals on the earth’s surface today, having immense influence on their own fate and that of many other species, this was not always so. Eight million years ago our ancestors were not particularly remarkable, being in many respects zoologically obscure. "Human Fossils and Evolution" explores the evolutionary history of our rise from obscurity to world dominance. The anatomical and behavioral changes that occurred during our evolution are discussed as are the natural selective forces that may have caused them. Human fossil evidence, that of contemporary plants and animals, and the geological settings in which they are found are also reviewed so that the difficulties, problems, and pitfalls of such studies can be better understood. The course comprises the interesting blend of fact and fancy that is our evolutionary history.
BIO A 388 is the first course in a two quarter sequence. Background material related to human and ape anatomy and behavior, introductory concepts concerning geological context, and the earliest portion of the human fossil record are presented. BIO A 389, the linked sequence course, covers the later part of our evolutionary story. Grades for both courses are given after completion of BIO A 389.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
The class meets 5 days a week for an hour. Lectures comprise most class meetings, but one hour each week serves as a Discussion/Laboratory Session, in which discussion is strongly encourage and specimens of modern primates and fossil humans are studied. In addition, a Quiz/Discussion Session is held every other week; the quiz takes approximately half the session and discussion fills the remainder of the hour.
Recommended preparation
Either BIO A 201 or Biology 101-102 or Biology 201-202-203 is perequisite to the course. Additional study in general biology, animal behavior and ecology, and geology will greatly facilitate learning the course material.
Class assignments and grading
Readings from the required textbooks are assigned on a weekly basis. Formal homework assignments are not made, but self and group study is strongly encouraged.
Grades are based on performance in the four quizzes and the final examination. Grades for BIO A 388 are not given until completion of BIO A 389.
